Insecticide

Insecticide

Noun · /ɪnˈsek.tɪ.saɪd/

Definition

A chemical substance used to kill or repel insects; any preparation designed to eliminate or control insect populations.

Origin

From Latin insectum (insect) + -cide (from caedere, to kill). First recorded in English in the mid-19th century as chemical pest control developed.